President William Ruto on Monday, 25th September 2023 flagged off the distribution of 100,000 kits to be used by Community Health Promoters (CHPs) across the 47 Counties as part of the efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.
The kits will be essential in empowering and equipping CHPs with basic household screening equipment and smart phones to enhance access to primary healthcare and promote healthier communities. This includes a backpack carrier bag, first aid box, jacket, weighing scale, infrared clinical thermometer and a mid-upper arm circumference tape (pediatric).
Speaking at Uhuru park in Nairobi where the event was held, the president said that the 100, 000 CHPs will transform healthcare at the grassroots and Kenyans will be offered basic screening services at the household level.
“Kenyans will now be attended to in their homes by fully trained local community Health Promoters who will be supervised by qualified health workers, “said president Ruto further pledging to support Counties in promoting preventive and promotive health services.
“I also want to assure our County Governments that they have our cooperation in delivering services to the people of Kenya. My responsibility is to ensure that the Counties succeed and Kenya succeeds”
Making her remarks, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha said primary healthcare would help in achieving Universal Health Coverage and that CHPs are a critical component in the implementation of this health strategy.
Council of Governors (CoG) Chair H.E Anne Waiguru reiterated County Governments commitment to supporting the CHP programme by allocating resources that will match National Government’s allocation. The programme will be jointly implemented by the National Government and County Governments with both levels sharing the responsibility of paying the CHPs.
‘The CHPs programme will undoubtedly go a long way in reducing the burden on our healthcare system by preventing diseases, promoting healthier lifestyles and providing vital health support to those in need,” added Governor Waiguru.
“This programme has come at a time when the country is preparing for the predicted El nino rains. The CHPs will play a vital role in facilitating disease surveillance at the household level and ultimately help in the management of illnesses associated with floods,” noted the CoG Health Committee Chair H.E Muthomi Njuki.
The CHPs are mandated to visit 100 households every two to three months to provide services to all Kenyans from the comfort of their homes. At this level, most basic screenings and tests will be offered free of charge, including weight, blood pressure, sugar levels and other primary services.
They will also counsel families on health improvement and disease prevention, provide basic first aid for common illness and minor injuries, conduct basic health screening during home visits and refer serious cases to level four or five hospitals depending on the condition of the patients.